Monday, January 6, 2025

πŸŽ…πŸŽ„12th Day of Christmas Author SpotlightπŸŽ„πŸŽ…: Eden Finley




Eden Finley
Eden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are full of snark and light-hearted fluff.

She doesn't take anything too seriously and lives to create an escape from real life for her readers. The ideas always begin with a wackadoodle premise, and she does her best to turn them into romances with heart.

She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.


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Football Royalty
Summary:
Franklin U #8
If you never fooled around with someone of the same gender, did you even go to high school?

PEYTON
My whole life I’ve had the pressure of being Marcus Talon and Shane Miller’s football prodigy. I’ve been destined to follow in my NFL-playing fathers’ footsteps since the day I was born. I usually thrive under pressure, but as senior year looms, it all gets too much, and I need an outlet. The last place I thought I’d find my release is at Levi Vanderbilt’s graduation party. In his bed. With him.

It’s a one-time thing. An experimentation. And while it was fun, we agree that being with guys isn’t for either of us. I’m happy to accept that until he turns up in California.

I haven’t had to think about him for four years, but now I can’t get him out of my head.


LEVI
Coming to Franklin University for grad school to follow a boy I hooked up with once is the stupidest thing I could have done.

We said that high school didn’t mean anything, but the truth is, that night made me realize who I truly am, and since then, I’ve been trying to find that sense of freedom again.

I’m hoping it can be with him, but everything I’ve heard around campus points to Peyton not having the same life-changing revelation I did.

And if that’s the case, did I just move across the country for a straight guy?

Kill me now.





The Backup Plan
Summary:
King Sports #1
Thad
Failing to make it in pro ball left me absolutely devastated. Baseball has been my life, my dream, but it’s time to move on.

Becoming a sports agent was always my backup plan, and now that I’m interning at the biggest queer-focused firm in the country, I’m doing my best not to let my bitterness toward baseball affect my future.

That’s really difficult when I’m assigned to babysit Kelley Afton, hotshot rookie pitcher for Philly. He has everything I ever wanted, and he doesn’t even appreciate it. I didn’t become an agent so I could soothe the ego of diva athletes.

His constant need for validation from others frustrates me to no end, but that’s probably a good thing. Because if he didn’t have that, I’d find him irresistibly my type.

Attraction could lead to crossing lines which would put my position at King Sports in jeopardy, and I can’t have that.

I don’t have a backup for my backup plan.





Can't Say Goodbye
Summary:
BRADY
Our quick hellos are followed by drawn out goodbyes.

What started out as one fun night turned into a regular thing none of us ever planned for.

I can’t walk away from Kit and Prescott. Kit is the stern nurturer I need. He’s the caretaker, the solid presence. Prescott enables my wild ways. He’s someone I can have fun with. They couldn’t be more perfect for me.

But come graduation, I have to move across the country, and geography isn’t our only obstacle. Being in a relationship with two men isn’t good for my public image, my brother’s NFL career, or the media frenzy that surrounds my famously queer family.

We have a plan to meet up once a year, but with every reunion, every brief visit, we fall deeper.

There has to be a breaking point, something that will end it for us, or soon it will be impossible to say goodbye at all.





Fake Out
Summary:
Fake Boyfriend #1
Maddox
The reason I rarely go home is three simple words: I’m a liar.

When the pressure to marry my childhood sweetheart became too much, I told her I was gay and then fled to New York like my ass was on fire.

Now, five years later and after a drunken encounter, I find myself invited to her wedding. And I have to bring my boyfriend—the boyfriend who doesn’t exist because I’m straight.

At least, I think I am. Meeting the guy I’m bribing to be my boyfriend for the weekend makes me question everything about myself.


Damon
When my sister asks me to pretend to be some straight guy’s boyfriend, my automatic response is to say no. It’s because of guys like him people don’t believe me when I tell them I’m gay.

But Maddox has something I need.

After an injury that cost me my baseball career, I’m trying to leave my playing days behind and focus on being the best sports agent I can be. Forty-eight hours with my sister’s best friend in exchange for a meeting with a possible client. I can do this.

I just wish he wasn’t so hot. Or that he didn’t kiss like he means it.

Wait … why is the straight guy kissing me?

*Fake Out is a full-length MM novel with no cliffhanger.*





Unwritten Law
Summary:
Steele Brothers #1
Being an identical twin doesn’t come without issues.

No one can tell us apart, not even our parents sometimes. We don’t usually use that to our advantage, but it comes in handy when my brother needs help breaking up with his boyfriends—which happens more than I’d care to admit. I know it’s enabling him, but I can’t say no to Anders. I will do anything for my twin. The breakups always go the same; they’re swift and simple.

Until Reed.

He’s everything I've fantasised about but never allowed myself to have. When I give in to temptation and begin to freak out, it’s not because he’s a guy. It’s because he thinks I’m my brother, and I can’t bring myself to tell him the truth.

**Unwritten Law is a 52,000 word stand alone with a HFN/HEA guarantee and no cliffhanger. It contains a mistaken identity trope. Please check trigger warnings in the front matter.**




Football Royalty

πŸŽ…πŸŽ„Monday's Mystical MagicπŸŽ„πŸŽ…: Silent Knight by Davidson King



Summary:

Can someone have both all the luck and none at all? For Ezra Acker the answer is yes. Life just is for him…until one Christmas when everything shifts and he finds out he has a silent knight who has been protecting him.

A world Ezra didn’t know existed is trying to kill both him and his knight. Can they survive the holidays and have a happily ever after or will Heaven and Hell see to it they don’t?

Silent Knight is a standalone dark paranormal novelette that was a part of the O Deadly Night Vol 2 Charity Anthology. No part of this story has been changed.






Silent Knight Re-Read Review January 2025:
I originally read this King short in the O Deadly Night Vol 2 Charity Anthology last Xmas and loved it then and I think I might love it even more now.  Ezra and Senon are so amazing together, despite some of the darkness of the story you can't help but cheer them on.  I have no idea if Davidson King ever intends to expand and branch this universe or perhaps connect it to another of her series, if she does I'll be like the family cat poised to pounce on discarded wrapping paper on Christmas morning.  If Silent Knight is all we get of Ezra and Senon's world than I will savor it for Xmases and Xmases in July for years to come.


Original O Deadly Night Vol 2 Charity Anthology Review November 2023:
(from the overall part of the anthology review): "these are dark stories would probably be an understatement.  If you're looking for Hallmark-y, Disneyesque, cute meet, cliche HEA, then this is probably not for you.  If you like creepy horror with your holiday fare then I can't recommend this anthology enough"

I said above that if you're looking for HEA this isn't the book for you but I think Davidson King's entry, Silent Knight(though more of a dark suspense than flat out horror) is probably as close to that HEA label as any horror collection can provide.  Truth is, King's storytelling star shines bright in this perfect blend of dark, dreamy, and delicious.  Destiny and holiday has rarely been darker.

RATING:




EZRA ACKER: AGE TEN 
The first time it happened, I was ten. I was living with the Kimbers, my fifth foster family. I got off the school bus and started walking the five blocks to their house. It wasn’t in a great part of town and, Natalie, my foster-for-now mom, always said to keep my head down and walk fast. So, I did and never had a problem… until today. 

I’d made it three blocks when I crashed into something solid. I fell backwards, my school bag flattened on the ground under me. 

“You should watch where you’re walking.” I didn’t recognize the voice but when I looked up, I did recognize the face. Morris Fieldman. He was sixteen and loved bullying younger kids. He’d never bothered me before but likely because I stayed off his radar. Until now. 

“Sssorry, Morris. I was trying to get home; dinner will be ready soon and I have to be on time.” 

Morris’s laughter was cruel and that was when I noticed two other people with him. Them I didn’t know but it likely didn’t matter. 

“It’s not really your home though is it, Ezra? You don’t have one, or a real family for that matter. Mommy and daddy didn’t want you and left you on the doorstep of a church like an afterschool special. Only, there’s no happily ever after for you, is there?” 

I swallowed down my sobs as Morris taunted me and his friends laughed. When I made to get up, Morris pushed me down with his foot.

“Stay down there, that’s where dogs belong.”

A sound in the alley behind Morris made us all jump and when the three of them turned to see what it was, I didn’t pass up the opportunity. I grabbed my bag and ran faster than I ever had before.


Davidson King
Davidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.

She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.

If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.


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EMAIL: davidsonkingauthor@yahoo.com




Sunday, January 5, 2025

πŸΎπŸŽ‰πŸŽ…πŸŽ„πŸŽ­Week at a GlanceπŸŽ­πŸŽ„πŸŽ…πŸŽ‰πŸΎ: 12/30/24 - 1/5/25





























πŸŽ…πŸŽ„11th Day of Christmas Author SpotlightπŸŽ„πŸŽ…: Becca Seymour




Becca Seymour
Becca Seymour is the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series. Known for “steamy and endearing” and “emotionally profound love stories” (InD’tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.

Becca lives and breathes all things book related. Usually with at least three books being read and two WiPs being written at the same time, Becca’s life is merrily hectic. She tends to do nothing by halves so happily seeks the craziness and busyness life offers.

Living on her small property in Queensland with her human family as well as her animal family of cows, chooks, and dogs, Becca appreciates the beauty of the world around her and is a believer that love truly is love.


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Let Me Show You
Summary:
True-blue #1
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews

When a veterinarian and a construction worker connect, it takes mishaps, mistakes, and a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Rex to show them they’re made for each other.

Dr. Carter Falon is content living a quiet life in a small town caring for his animal patients. That doesn't mean he's not looking for a distraction. After finding himself precariously wedged… naked and at the mercy of a drop-dead gorgeous construction worker, Carter hires his savior to renovate his home.

When Tanner Grady’s best friend and new niece needed him, he uprooted and relocated without a second thought. His life has since been centered on work and spending time with his family, but when he comes to the rescue of a cute vet, Tanner finds he's a lot more interested in the homeowner than the house he’s renovating.

Book one in Becca Seymour’s low-angst, feel-good MM series, True-blue. In the small town of Kirkby, there are busybodies, dogs who cause chaos, families who have the “best” of timing, and opportunities for good men to find their perfect match.





Under the Blazing Stars
Summary:
Love Abroad
Find Love Abroad Under the Blazing Stars of the Aussie Outback

I’m a glutton for punishment.

The reason? My foolish pursuit of straight guys. Correction. One straight man.

Alec Rose.

For twelve long years, my best mate’s brother has starred in practically every fantasy I’ve had.

Massage… oops… my towel slips.

Swimming adventure mishap with a huge wave. Yep. Alec gives me mouth-to-mouth.

Shower with soap that refuses to stay in my hands. I’d best bend over.

Now, it’s become something of a game. I flirt outrageously, just to see the big guy blush. The thing is, he takes it all in his stride. Even attempts sweet, flirty moments back, but he will never be mine.

Until the impossible happens and interest sparks in his eyes and shines bright. Just maybe, under the blazing stars of the outback, we can navigate this connection and Alec will finally give me a chance.

Under the Blazing stars is a 42,000-word, superhot, super-low-angst, bi-awakening MM romance starring a loved-up Aussie cowboy and a fun-loving teacher.





Thicker than Water
Summary:
Fangs & Felons #1
Following rules is for pussy cats. And since I’m a wolf, not a chance in hell I’ll toe the line. Well, not when my boss is a prick and he gives me bullshit assignments.

When I stumble upon an undercover operation, one that becomes deeply personal and impossible to walk away from, I do something that leaves my head spinning.

I follow the rules.

Joining an elite squad in the SICB, I work with a unit that has me questioning everything I thought I knew about working in a team.

They’re tightknit, work under the radar, and kick arse on a daily basis.

There’s just one problem. The team leader, my new boss, needs my help, which also means he becomes my housemate.

Mesmerizing, confident, and with the greenest eyes that make my head spin, Liam “Thatch” Thatcher is a newly changed wolf shifter who immediately draws my respect.

It’s a dangerous combination.

Bonded by memories and blood, together we have to navigate the blood farm operation that has wider reaches than we could ever imagine. And when it comes to matters of the heart, to win, I need to risk it all.

Even if it goes against every one of my instincts.

Thicker Than Water is the first book in a MM urban fantasy romance series. Between the pages, you’ll find high-octane action, snarky vampires and shifters, and steamy scenes to make you swoon.






Tastes Like Sugar
Summary:
Collier's Creek Christmas 
Nothing like sugar kisses to bring people together for the holidays…

After ditching the chaos of city life—and a cheating fiancΓ©—I’m more than ready for a fresh start. Collier’s Creek, with its small-town charm and the warmth of my family, seems like the perfect place to regroup. Throw in a job offer as the new office manager for the local fire department, and it feels like everything is falling into place.

That is, until I meet Hayes.

The confident, cocky, and sinfully sexy firefighter is all smooth moves and effortless charm. Our connection? Instant. Our chemistry? Scorching. But here’s the problem: I’m supposed to be wrangling the firefighters and keeping the department in line, not getting distracted by the hottest man in town—who also happens to be my nephew’s best friend.

As the fire department’s Mr. December, Hayes is used to turning heads, but he’s got his sights set on me. And while I’ve sworn off mixing business with pleasure, this guy makes resisting nearly impossible. Every sweet gesture and playful flirtation chips away at my resolve, leaving me wondering if this time around, I should just give in.

Because the more time I spend with Hayes, the more I realize he’s not just fire and heat—he’s all heart. But with our undeniable attraction and my unease of our familial connection as well as our age gap, can we handle the sparks flying between us without getting burned?

Celebrate the holidays with the men of Collier’s Creek, where magic fills the air and irresistible romances are the highlight of the festive season. Six low-angst romances, each filled with heartwarming moments and swoon-worthy romance.





No Take Backs
Summary:
Zone Defense #1
Some things you can’t take back.

If you say those words, get caught glancing at his bulge, or share a heated kiss, it’s game over. The “no take backs” rule strikes, and there’s no way you can backtrack.

That’s the way it’s always been with me and Nate Griffin, my old best friend who thought he could change the rules.

It doesn’t matter that time and distance have pulled us apart. I’ve finally figured myself out and yanked my head out of my backside. Now, if only I can drag myself out of the closet and be the man I want to be for Nate…

But I’m a pro basketball player who has no desire to be a poster boy. Not only that, Nate and I don’t even live in the same country.

Nate, big-hearted guy he is, takes it all in his stride, and I can’t help but wonder if just maybe he’s too good for me. But hell if I can resist him.

It all boils down to: Do I want to take anything back when it comes to Nate Griffin?



Let Me Show You
Thicker than Water

Tastes Like Sugar

No Take Backs


πŸŽ…πŸŽ„Sunday's Short StackπŸŽ„πŸŽ…: The Alphas Santa-Kissed Omega by Lorelei M Hart



Summary:
Alpha Kissed #4
Nothing is simple when you’re dating a single father.

I told myself after my alpha passed away that I might not ever find another. I would raise my son Dane the best I knew how and, when, years later, our family and friends were still acting as if I should mourn forever, I decided to move from The Netherlands to start over in the United States. My little guy deserved a bright future where he wasn’t constantly being asked if he missed a dad he didn’t even remember.

I didn’t do it with the intent of finding another alpha. After all, most omegas were lucky to find one to fall in love with, and I’d had mine. But when I saw Link, I knew he was mine. My true mate.

The moment Gustav walked into the room, and I took in his scent, my heart knew he was mine and there would never be another for me. It was perfect. Except his son disliked me on sight. Now I have no idea how to move on with my mate when someone so important to him disapproves. But I’m not going to give up. I’ve found not only my omega, but my family, my future. One I hope we can all share.

The Alpha’s Santa-Kissed Omega is a MM, Mpreg, non-shifter holiday romance with a strong, kind alpha, an intelligent loving omega, an adorable little boy who isn’t sure about his new situation, and a baby on the way.



I want to take a second to thank the author for the Netherlands connection, my great grandfather came to America with his parents and siblings in 1910 and I really found the holiday traditions interesting.  I also found Link trying to connect with Gustav's son, Dane, through the traditions a lovely little touch.

I won't say too much so as not to spoil anything.  I know some don't like an insta-love romance, they don't find them believable but I can attest to the fact that they are very real as my grandparents were just that: insta-love that lasted 48 years until my grandfather passed.  Of course when dealing with fated mates tropes, why wouldn't insta-love be involved?  Long as the author writes it well it's one of my favorite tropes and Lorelei M Hart definitely writes it well.

When children are involved in the story it can be hard to do them justice, to get the balance right between sugary sweet and obnoxious brat.  Dane is a well balanced little boy who is sweet as can be except when it comes to the new man in his daddy's life.  The author does a wonderful job when it comes to that balance as well as both Gustav and Link's responses to his moments of defiance.  You just want to wrap all three up in huge Mama Bear Hugs to let them know how well they are all handling everything and to let them know it's okay for time to be given to getting all the emotional pieces to fit.

This is only the second story in the author's Alpha Kissed series but I know it won't be my last, a true holiday gem.

RATING:




Chapter One
Gustav Van Dijk
“Papa, I’m scared.”

The words made my heavy heart even more laden. I glanced in the rearview mirror to see my not-quite five-year old in his booster seat, looking out the window. His little cheeks were pale, and his eyelids fluttered, a sure sign he was about to cry. Dane, named after my omega who died giving birth to him, was not responding as well as I’d hoped to our move to the United States.

With the holidays coming soon, I’d decided to wait until January to enroll him in kindergarten, and my own schedule with my new company would be light until then. However, I did need to work online a few hours each afternoon and couldn’t do that easily with a fretful preschooler. Also, my son might adjust better if he made some friends. But I’d seen no other children playing near our rental house, so how?

We’d been strolling down Main Street the day before when we came upon a window covered in gift wrap and a big bow. Dane’s mood lifted and he bounced, asking, “Papa, is that a present?”

A chuckle preceded a pair of men emerging from the store, arms around one another’s waists. “It is indeed, little man,” said one of them. “A surprise present for the town, to be revealed next Saturday. I’m Liam by the way and this is my candy shop, Sugar.” He shook my hand then waved toward the other man. “And this is Edison, my mate.”

“Nice to meet you both,” I replied. “I am Gustav, Gus for short, and this is my son, Dane. So a surprise, huh?”

“We like to do a special window for each holiday, make it really special.”

The other man, Edison, rolled his eyes. “My mate has a flair for the dramatic, but he does run the very best candy store in town.”

“Edison!” protested Liam. “It’s the only candy store in town.”

His mate poked him in the ribs. “It’s the best in the country, but you already know that, and I refuse to contribute to your ego.” A twinkle in his eye offset his words. “Would it be all right to give your son a little something from the store?”

Dane’s smile stretched his chubby cheeks. Since it was the first sign of his happy self I’d seen in weeks, I nodded. “I guess so, if he promises to eat all his broccoli at dinner.”

“Papa, I love the little trees,” Dane protested. “Maybe you should make me eat lima beans instead.” He squinted his eyes and stuck out his tongue. “They’re yucky.”

Liam reached behind him into the store. “I think your son is quite the honest fellow.” He drew out a Santa Claus sucker, dark chocolate with a red suit and white beard. “Here you go!”

“It’s like Sinterklaas.” Dane closed his little fist around the stick and beamed at his new friend. “Thank you, candy-store man.”

“That’s Mr. Liam,” I chided softly.

“Thank you, Mr. Liam,” he echoed. “I promise to eat my broccoli—even if it’s lima beans.”

“You’re welcome,” the man said. “Now, I don’t offer this often, but would you like just the teensiest peek at our window?”

“Or even a bigger one!” Dane thrust out his chest.

Edison tilted his head. “I don’t know, Liam. Do you think he can keep a secret?”

“I can, I can!” my son shouted. “I never even told Daddy I broke his cup.”

A brief silence stretched before the two men burst into laughter.

“Dane!” I chided. “We’ll have to talk about that later. But I think you’ve made your point.

“Okay, little man.” Liam led him into the store and stopped right inside. He tugged back a red velvet curtain and let Dane duck his head under for a few seconds before saying, “Okay, that’s it.”

Dane backed out and straightened, his cheeks flushed, mouth in an O. “I won’t tell anybody! Not even my papa.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but Liam beat me to it. “I think we all agree you shouldn’t have secrets from your papa, so you can tell him, but only in very private, okay? We don’t want to spoil the surprise.”

Dane’s head bobbed. “Okay, Mr. Liam. And thank you for the candy and the secret.”

“Do I detect an accent?” Liam asked. “You aren’t from Holland, are you?” Although nearly everyone learned English in school back home, we by no means sounded like we were born in the USA.

“Exactly right. We just arrived last week.”

“Staying long?”

I flicked a glance at my son, who was busy ripping the plastic off his Santa sucker. “Permanently, if all goes well. I accepted a job here.”

“What do you do?”

“Computer coding.”

“Wow. And why did you choose to come here? I’m sure with your skills you can work almost anywhere.”

I hesitated, and he blushed. “What an ass. It’s none of my business.”

“No, it’s fine.” I didn’t mind answering. Dane had failed at plastic removal, and Edison was now assisting, so I took a step away and the other alpha followed. I lowered my voice. “I was widowed a couple of years ago, and I wanted a change of scenery. Dane barely remembers his other dad, but everywhere we went, people brought him up and it wasn’t good for either of us. So...when this opportunity came along, I decided to give it a shot.”

“Have any friends here in town?” he asked, without the sympathetic tone I’d learned to hate.

“No, not yet.”

“You do now.” He gave me a pat on the arm. “Come by and visit anytime.”

“That means a lot.”

“That’s okay. We have a family ourselves, three and growing. We’ll have to do a playdate.”

“That would be wonderful. Hey, since you are also a dad...do you know of a good babysitter? I need someone for a few hours in the afternoons.”

“Better than that.” He called to his omega, “Edison, do you have any openings at My Brother, My Sister for the afternoon program?”

He did. And Dane had been wildly excited for the past two days, but nerves had gotten hold of him once he was actually on the way.

I braced myself for what was to come.



Candy  /  Cranberry  /  Santa



Lorelei M Hart

Lorelei M. Hart is the cowriting team of USA Today Bestselling Authors Kate Richards and Ever Coming. Friends for years, the duo decided to come together and write one of their favorite guilty pleasures: Mpreg. There is something that just does it for them about smexy men who love each other enough to start a family together in a world where they can do it the old-fashioned way ;). 


EMAIL: Lorelei@mpregwithhart.com



The Alphas Santa-Kissed Omega #4